Sport

DARTS: Swindon thrower Smith hopes for the luck of the Irish

First published
in Sport
by Andy Warren, Deputy sports editor, awarren@swindonadvertiser.co.uk, @AndyWarren_

DENNIS Smith is hoping he will have the luck of the Irish on his side as he makes one last attempt at qualifying for a European Tour event this evening.

The Swindon thrower has failed to make it to the finals of any of the four European Tour events so far this year, but is in Dublin tonight looking to put his unwanted record to bed and qualify for the tournament in Holland at the end of the month. Smith has always enjoyed his visits to Ireland, and is hoping he can continue his good recent form in the Emerald Isle and qualify tonight.

“I have always enjoyed the Dublin tournaments and have enjoyed some good runs in Ireland over the years, and last time I was there I made the last 16 and the quarter finals in the Players Championship,” he said.

“I am more determined than ever to qualify for one, because it would be terrible to go through a whole year without getting to one.

“I don’t know what it is that makes me struggle in them, it could be a mental block I don’t know, but I am determined to overcome it.

“There is a big field at the event and some quality players, so I will need to play well and get some luck in the draw.

“Getting to Holland would give me the chance to get some good prize money, so it is important I make it.”

Smith will be joined in Ireland by fellow Swindon throwers Johnny Haines and Chris Aubrey, and the trio will also compete in the latest rounds of the Players Championship tomorrow and Sunday.

“The Players Championship events are always important, and I need some good results,” Smith said.

“All that is on my mind at the moment is making it the World Championship at the end of the year, and anything else I can do between now and then is a bonus.

“It is important for me to be there, and it would be great if I could get there.”